Marauding hippos cause havoc in Lundazi

——Residents of Kafutanika village in chief Phikamalaza’s area in Lundazi district have castigated the Zambia Wild Life Authority [ZAWA] for their alleged failure to control marauding hippos that have invaded and destroyed several agricultural fields. One of the residents, Masauso Nyirenda, told ZANIS in Lundazi that marauding hippos from Paku and Kakoma dams and Meembe river have continued ravaging and destroying vegetable gardens and fields and threatening people’s lives, a situation he described as unfortunate. Mr Nyirenda revealed that the residents have on several occasions been reporting the matter to ZAWA office but to no avail. He said the most affected vegetable gardens and fields destroyed by the marauding hippos are those that fall under Paku and Kakoma Government Irrigation Scheme funded by African Development Bank ten years ago. The government irrigation scheme project was intended to improve food security, empower local people economically and create job opportunities. The government irrigation schemes have about 30 garden fields for small scale farmers where they grow fresh maize and vegetables including beans, carrots, egg plants, Irish potatoes, onions and tomatoes among others throughout the year. But when contacted for comment, Lundazi District ZAWA Park Ranger, Patrick Sakanga, refuted the allegations and maintained that his office has not received any report on the matter.